This isn’t to say that conservatives shouldn’t criticize Republicans. I do so frequently and think it’s a good thing to hold them accountable. But I also think that the expectations of many conservatives have completely gotten out of whack.

It’s been dismissed as an excuse whenever anybody points out that Republicans control only one-half of the legislative branch. But that’s actually a very valid point.

There are severe limitations to what a party can achieve when the ruling party controls a double veto – both in the Senate and the presidency.

Republicans can prevent the passage of gun control, as they have. But when it comes to the current debate, many conservatives have been arguing that if Republicans cannot get Obama to wipe out or seriously undermine the signature legislative accomplishment of his presidency, the only reason is that Republicans lack sufficient courage. And that’s a completely absurd expectation.